Infant from eastern North Carolina dies of flu

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — State health officials say an infant from eastern North Carolina is the first child to die from the flu during the 2013-14 season.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services reported that the child died Monday due to complications associated with the flu.

A statement from the department said the infant’s hometown, family and sex are being withheld to protect the family’s privacy.

Last week, DHHS officials reported 21 deaths associated with seasonal influenza. Of those, 19 were young and middle-aged adults, most of whom had underlying medical conditions. Only two deaths have been reported in persons over 65.

High levels of flu activity are expected to continue over the coming weeks as flu season typically peaks during January and February.

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